Italy and the U.S. renew the Memorandum of Understanding on import restrictions of archaeological material

2016-01-15

Date:

01/15/2016

Maeci

Washington, January 15, 2016 - The Governments of Italy and the United States have renewed the Memorandum of Understanding concerning the imposition of import restrictions on categories of archaeological material representing the pre-classical, classical, and imperial Roman periods. The agreement, which was entered into force for the first time on January 19, 2001 with a duration of five years, has now been extended for a third time. The exchange of Verbal Notes took place in Washington between the U.S. State Department and the Embassy of Italy. The Ministry of Cultural Heritage and Activities and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation negotiated the renewal on behalf of the Italian government.

“The renewal of this Memorandum for a further five years testifies the growing attention of both Italy and the United States towards fighting the illicit trade of art, and the excellent cooperation between authorities of both countries” commented the Ambassador of Italy to the United States, Claudio Bisogniero. “However, the MoU isn’t only about the preemption and repression of illicit art trade: it also offers an important new means to strengthen cultural cooperation, enable people to best enjoy cultural heritage and many academic, scientific and educational initiatives. In other words - more legality and culture, for the enjoyment of all.”

The original agreement had been concluded on the basis of the 1970 UNESCO Convention on the Means of Prohibiting and Preventing the Illicit Import, Export and Transfer of Ownership of Cultural Property. The new version came into force this coming January 19.